Swimsuit

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bifurcated swimsuit comprising a form-fitting interior layer and an external layer, and a method of manufacturing the same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a swimsuit comprises a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; and an exterior short pant garment attached to and concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment comprising a water permeable material.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a swimsuit anda method of manufacturing same. More specifically, embodiments of thepresent invention relate to a bifurcated swimsuit comprising aform-fitting interior layer and an external layer, and a method ofmanufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is not uncommon for men to prefer wearing loose fitting swimsuits orbathing suits (e.g., board shorts, swimsuits, etc.) that cover most ofthe thigh and typically land near or below the knee. Generally, theseloose fitting bathing suits allow for freedom of movement, as well asprovide a stylish appearance.

Men's loose fitting swimsuits are often lined with a fabric to protectagainst transparency when becoming wet. Loose bathing suits, however,lack an inner protective layer to protect against rubbing or chafingfrom the wet bathing suit, sea salt, sand, sweat, or the like that mayirritate any surrounding skin and tissue. Chafing can be extremelypainful, often causing a burning or stinging sensation or may even leadto inflammation of the skin.

One alternative to men's loose fitting swimsuits are form-fittingswimsuits (e.g., swim briefs, racing suits, wetsuits, etc.) as theyoffer comfortable and supportive feel. However, these form fittingbathing suits are often viewed as unfashionable, unattractive, orinappropriate as public swimwear or beachwear for men, particularly onpublic beaches in the United States. In addition, these form-fittingswimsuits only protect a minimal area of skin against external elements,such as UV rays from the sun.

Thus, there is a need for an improved swimsuit and a method formanufacturing the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bifurcatedswimsuit comprising a form-fitting interior layer and an external layer,and a method of manufacturing the same. In accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, a swimsuit comprises a form fittinginterior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fittinginterior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; and anexterior short pant garment attached to and concealing the form fittinginterior layer, the exterior short pant garment comprising a waterpermeable material.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a swimsuit comprises aform fitting interior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, theform fitting interior layer having two leg portions and a body portion;an exterior short pant garment concealing the form fitting interiorlayer, the exterior short pant garment formed of a water permeablematerial; a waistband along a top surface of the swimsuit, having adrawstring interwoven therethrough; and an opening through the formfitting interior layer and the exterior short pant garment.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method ofmanufacturing a swimsuit, the method comprises providing a form fittinginterior layer formed of a stretchable synthetic fiber, the form fittinginterior layer having two leg portions and a body portion; providing anexterior short pant garment concealing the form fitting interior layer,the exterior short pant garment formed of a water permeable material;folding a top portion of the exterior short pant garment over the formfitting interior layer, extending into an inner volume of the formfitting interior layer; and stitching through the folded exterior shortpant garment and the form fitting interior layer, creating a waistband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above recited features of the presentinvention can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofembodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may behad by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrateonly typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope ofthe present invention, and, therefore, are not to be consideredlimiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effectiveembodiments, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a swimsuit in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1 a depicts a cross-sectional view of a waistband portion of theswimsuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 depicts a swimsuit in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart of a method in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words“include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limitedto. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used,where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a swimsuit anda method of manufacturing same. More specifically, embodiments of thepresent invention relate to a bifurcated swimsuit comprising aform-fitting interior layer and an external layer, and a method ofmanufacturing the same.

FIG. 1 depicts a swimsuit 100 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The swimsuit 100 generally includes a form fittinginterior layer 110, affixed to an exterior short pant garment 120,having a waistband 140, and optionally having pockets 124. The formfitting interior layer 110 is made up of two leg portions 128 and a bodyportion 130. The form fitting interior layer 110 may comprise anystretchable synthetic fiber fabric. Examples of synthetic fibersinclude, but are not limited to, spandex, lycra, nylon, polyester, orthe like. For example, in one of many embodiments of the presentinvention, the form fitting interior layer 110 may be in the form ofswim jammers. Swim jammers are generally understood as a form fittingdesign of a swimsuit, with material suitable for reduction of waterresistance when worn.

In many embodiments, the form fitting interior layer 110 may comprise aninseam length of between about 15 inches to 18 inches (e.g., roughly 38centimeters to 46 centimeters), but may be shorter or longer in lengthas needed. The inseam length of the form fitting interior layer 110 maygenerally be dictated by the length of the exterior short pant garment120, whereas embodiments of the present invention generally provide theform fitting interior layer 110 remains hidden from view when theswimsuit 100 is worn. As such, a swimsuit 100 designed for youngerchildren will comprise an inseam length significantly shorter than aswimsuit 100 designed for a grown adult.

In various embodiments, the form fitting interior layer 110 may alsooffer UV protection against UV rays from the sun. Optionally, the formfitting interior layer 110 may be provided with an aesthetic printdesign, for example, a logo, a design, or the like. Furthermore, theaesthetic design may also include, but is not limited to, variouscolors, striped print, plaid print, or the like.

The exterior short pant garment 120 generally comprises two leg portions128 and a body portion 130, and may comprise any cut and/or designcapable of covering and concealing the form fitting interior layer 110.In many embodiments, the exterior short pant garment 120 comprises awater permeable material 122. Examples of such water permeable material122 may include, but are not limited to, woven or non-woven fabrics orthe like, suitable for allowing water to pass through with minimalresistance. The exterior short pant garment 120 may be provided withselect areas being water permeable, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, toallow for a vent-like feature. Alternatively, however, the entireexterior short pant garment 120 comprises the water permeable material122.

Various embodiments of the exterior short pant garment 120 mayoptionally comprise a compartment 124 (e.g., pocket, cargo pocket)attached to the exterior short pant garment 120 for design andusability. In one embodiment, the compartment 124 may be attached to oneside of the exterior short pant garment 120. In another embodiment,multiple compartments 124 may be positioned on either side of theexterior short pant garment 120. The compartments 124 may close by meansof a button, a plurality of buttons, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners,or the like.

Furthermore, the exterior short pant garment 120 may be provided with anaesthetic print design as discussed above. In view of the fashionablenature of swimsuits, it may be desirable to include an aestheticallypleasing design on the exterior short pant garment 120 to increasemarketability of the swimsuit 100.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the exterior short pantgarment 120 may include a drawstring, an elastic, a button, or the like,often interweaved through the waistband 140 for ease of loosening ortightening the swimsuits 100 and 200.

The exterior short pant garment 120 and the form fitting interior layer110 generally attach at a waistband 140. FIG. 1 a depicts across-sectional view of the waistband 140 of the swimsuit 100 of FIG. 1.In various embodiments of the present invention, a waistband 140 maycomprise an exterior short pant garment 120 folded over a form fittinginterior layer 110 and stitched together at a seam 142. In otherembodiments, the exterior short pant garment 120 and the form fittinginterior layer 110 may be folded inward together and affixed together ata seam 142.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention provide for variousforms of waistbands 140. For example, in one embodiment of the presentinvention, the waistband 140 comprises a multiple attachment meansbetween the form fitting interior layer 110 and the exterior short pantgarment 120. Such attachment means may comprise, for example, stitching,hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, buckles, woven drawstring, orthe like. In certain embodiments, the waistband comprises a particularattachment means for a back portion of the waistband (e.g., stitching)and another attachment means for a front portion of the waistband (e.g.,a zipper). By providing various attachment means for the waistband, auser may be able to put on and take off the swimsuit 100 more easily.

As depicted in FIG. 2, another embodiment of the present invention maycomprise a shorter form fitting interior layer 110 (e.g., swim briefs,racing suits, square briefs, or the like). The inseam (not shown) of ashorter form fitting interior layer 110 generally stops at the top ofthe thigh. Various embodiments of the present invention may include aform fitting interior layer 110 with an inseam (not shown) endinganywhere from the top of the thigh to the top of the knee.

Many embodiments of the swimsuits of the present invention may alsoinclude an opening 126 as provided with many common swimsuits. Theopening 126 generally extends through to the form fitting interiorlayer. In certain embodiments, the structure of the form fittinginterior layer 110 allows for an opening to pass through the entireswimsuit 100, providing easier accessibility when an individual isputting on the swimsuit 100. In such an embodiment, the waistband 140may effectively extend around the opening, such that form fittinginterior layer 110 is affixed to the exterior short pant garment 120around the opening 126. As understood by embodiments of the presentinvention, the opening 126 may also comprise a sealing means. Thesealing means may comprise a plurality of buttons, a plurality offasteners, a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, or the like.

FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart of a method 300 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The method 300 begins at step 310.At step 320, a form fitting interior layer is provided. In accordancewith embodiments of the present invention, a form fitting interior layercomprises a synthetic fiber, which may include, but is not limited to,spandex, lycra, nylon, polyester, or the like, having two leg portionsand a body portion. In one embodiment, the form fitting interior layermay comprise swim jammers, swim briefs, racing suits, or the like.

At step 330, an exterior short pant garment is provided. In accordancewith embodiments of the present invention, an exterior board short layercomprises a water permeable fabric, such as mesh, or the like, havingtwo leg portions and a body portion. In most embodiments of the presentinvention, the exterior short pant garment is longer in length than theprovided form fitting interior layer. Optionally, the exterior shortpant garment further comprises a compartment means, such as cargopockets or the like, for securing personal items.

At step 340, a top portion of the exterior short pant garment is foldedover the form fitting interior layer, extending into an inner volume ofthe form fitting interior layer. Alternatively, at step 340, the topportion of the exterior short pant garment may be positioned over acorresponding top portion of the form fitting interior layer, and bothlayers may be folded inward together. In yet another alternate step, thetop portion of the exterior short pant garment may merely lay flat overa corresponding top portion of the form fitting interior layer.

At step 350, the exterior short pant garment and the form fittinginterior layer are stitched together to form a waistband. Stitching maycomprise of knitting, hand sewing, machine sewing, straight stitching,gather stitching, or the like. In optional embodiments of the presentinvention, the waistband may also be provided with a drawstring,elastic, or the like, before the layers are stitched together.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the swimsuit maycomprise an opening cut through the exterior short pant garment and theform fitting interior layer. In such embodiments, the waistband may begenerally positioned around the opening, so as to allow the ability toopen and close the opening using a sealing means, such as a zipper,buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. Alternatively, where thewaistband comprises multiple attachment means At step 360, the method300 ends.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof. Alternative embodiments of thepresent invention generally incorporate the structures and methodsdescribed in the embodiments above, with minor additions and/ormodifications. The previous embodiments may be considered independentlyor in combination with any other embodiment contained herein.

1. A swimsuit comprising: a form fitting interior layer formed of astretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having twoleg portions and a body portion; and an exterior short pant garmentattached to and concealing the form fitting interior layer, the exteriorshort pant garment comprising a water permeable material.
 2. Theswimsuit of claim 1, further comprising a waistband having at least oneattachment means along a top edge of the swimsuit.
 3. The swimsuit ofclaim 2, wherein the attachment means comprises a drawstring interwoventhrough the waistband.
 4. The swimsuit of claim 1, further comprising anopening through the form fitting interior layer and the exterior shortpant garment.
 5. The swimsuit of claim 4, further comprising a sealingmeans around the opening.
 6. The swimsuit of claim 5, wherein thesealing means comprises at least one of a plurality of buttons, aplurality of fasteners, a zipper, or hook and loop fasteners.
 7. Theswimsuit of claim 1, further comprising at least a compartment on anexterior surface of the exterior short pant garment.
 8. The swimsuit ofclaim 1, wherein the stretchable synthetic fiber comprises at least oneof spandex, elastane, lycra, nylon, neoprene, or polychloroprene.
 9. Aswimsuit comprising: a form fitting interior layer formed of astretchable synthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having twoleg portions and a body portion; an exterior short pant garmentconcealing the form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pantgarment formed of a water permeable material; a waistband along a topsurface of the swimsuit, having a drawstring interwoven therethrough;and an opening through the form fitting interior layer and the exteriorshort pant garment.
 10. The swimsuit of claim 9, further comprising asealing means around the opening.
 11. The swimsuit of claim 10, whereinthe sealing means comprises at least one of a plurality of buttons, aplurality of fasteners, a zipper, or hook and loop fasteners
 12. Theswimsuit of claim 9, further comprising at least a compartment on anexterior surface of the exterior short pant garment.
 13. The swimsuit ofclaim 9, further comprising an at least one pocket positioned on theexterior short pant garment.
 14. The swimsuit of claim 9, wherein thestretchable synthetic fiber comprises at least one of spandex, elastane,lycra, nylon, neoprene, or polychloroprene.
 15. A method comprising:providing a form fitting interior layer formed of a stretchablesynthetic fiber, the form fitting interior layer having two leg portionsand a body portion; providing an exterior short pant garment concealingthe form fitting interior layer, the exterior short pant garment formedof a water permeable material; folding a top portion of the exteriorshort pant garment over the form fitting interior layer, extending intoan inner volume of the form fitting interior layer; and stitchingthrough the folded exterior short pant garment and the form fittinginterior layer, creating a waistband.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising interweaving a drawstring through the waistband. 17.The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an opening throughthe form fitting interior layer and the exterior short pant garment. 18.The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a sealing meansaround the opening.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the sealingmeans comprises at least one of a plurality of buttons, a plurality offasteners, a zipper, or hook and loop fasteners
 20. The method of claim15, further comprising providing at least a compartment on an exteriorsurface of the exterior short pant garment.